prePAEmily Posted October 7, 2021 Share Posted October 7, 2021 I am thinking about changing my biological sciences specialization from cell biology and genetics to just general biology because it works better with PA school prerequisites. I was wondering if general biology is considered less impressive than the cell biology and genetics specialization and if I should stay in because it would be advantageous for future job or grad school applications. Thank you so much for your time and I appreciate any advice you can give me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MysticMac14 Posted October 7, 2021 Share Posted October 7, 2021 I was accepted with a general biology degree. I think, especially for PA school, that major is not especially relevant; since you can apply with a degree in underwater basketweaving so long as you have the prereqs. As for the difference between a science heavy degree and one that isn't (ie underwater basketweaving), it isn't too hard to imagine that it makes a slight difference (slight preference to the science heavy degree) - that is if you earn identical GPAs in both. As for the difference between two science heavy degrees, I would choose the one that will allow you to get the prereqs easier and the one that would be easier overall - allowing for a higher GPA upon graduation. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prePAEmily Posted October 8, 2021 Author Share Posted October 8, 2021 Thank you! I appreciate the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UGoLong Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 Pick a major that would lead to a job you would enjoy even if you don't go to PA school. Try to always have at least a Plan B. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diggy Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 3 hours ago, UGoLong said: Pick a major that would lead to a job you would enjoy even if you don't go to PA school. Try to always have at least a Plan B. This is solid advice. Given how competitive PA school is these days. Nothing is worse than a useless degree and no income. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MysticMac14 Posted October 11, 2021 Share Posted October 11, 2021 6 hours ago, Diggy said: This is solid advice. Given how competitive PA school is these days. Nothing is worse than a useless degree and no income. Like a general biology degree... useless you want to teach high school. haha If I could redo. I would get a BSN - then at least I would high quality healthcare experience prior to applying and I feel as though the education would give you a better foundation to build on for PA school. Plus being a RN for a year or two after graduating wouldn't be a bad gig by any means. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diggy Posted October 11, 2021 Share Posted October 11, 2021 12 hours ago, MysticMac14 said: Like a general biology degree... useless you want to teach high school. haha If I could redo. I would get a BSN - then at least I would high quality healthcare experience prior to applying and I feel as though the education would give you a better foundation to build on for PA school. Plus being a RN for a year or two after graduating wouldn't be a bad gig by any means. Yup! My exercise and health science degree gave me nothing lmao. And in today's climate, RNs are making a killing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VarsityMed Posted October 11, 2021 Share Posted October 11, 2021 I'd also say to pick a degree that you enjoy. My initial degree was in art history; I loved it. It wasn't "useful" but honestly, a lot of degrees aren't. And unless you're an engineer or maybe an accountant or something, your degree really doesn't matter. I worked in marketing/advertising before taking my PA school pre-reqs. Your pre-req classes and experiences matter more than your specific major. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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